Transport container for intermediate bulk containers with dangerous goods

ABSTRACT

A transport container (vehicle) used to transport, lift, and transfer approved IBCs containing dangerous goods (including liquids) in Open Seas environments. The transport container meets all criteria specified by DNV-GL for certification of offshore containers intended for transport of approved IBCs for dangerous goods in Open Seas and has been certified by DNV-GL as such. It also provides a (solid) full enclosure of the IBC which provides protection an all sides, top and bottom. An offset hinge, rolling, or retractable, top lid provides a top opening for vertical loading of the IBC, while also providing complete protection of the top, when closed. A hinged door panel provides for front protection while allowing for lateral loading of the IBC. The transport container also incorporates guidance features to ensure the IBC is properly positioned inside the container when loading, and a catch well to contain drips or accidental spillage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/712,610, filed Jul. 31, 2018, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to transport containers, and moreparticularly to transport containers for intermediate bulk containers(IBC).

Transport containers, or IBC lifting frames, that are currently on themarket do not allow IBCs containing dangerous goods, including liquidsand granular materials, to be handled and lifted or carried on open seasor waters and also meet DNV 2.7-1 lifting standards. These transportcontainers are also not fully enclosed and thus do not fully protectIBCs from damage to the sides or top of the transport container.

Existing transport containers for IBCs do not meet the criteriaspecified by DNV-GL for certification of offshore containers intendedfor the transport of IBCs containing dangerous goods in offshoreapplications. These configurations potentially allow for a puncture tothe sides and top of the IBC contained within them. Similarly, they donot protect the top gasket of the IBC from damage or entanglement with,for example a frame sling set.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved transport container thatenables customers to transport approved IBCs containing dangerous goodsin an offshore environment, or to lift and transfer the IBCs, from anoffshore service vessel to offshore locations in a manner which meetsDNVGL-ST-E271, EN 12079:2006, IMO Circular MSC/Circ. 860, and API 2CCUStandards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a transport container forshipment of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) is disclosed. Thetransport container includes a lifting floor supporting an enclosedstructure defining one or more bins within the transport container forcontaining the IBC. A left sidewall and a right sidewall are attached tothe lifting floor. At least one movable wall is attached to one of theleft sidewall and the right sidewall via a hinge for each of the one ormore bins. The at least one movable wall is moveable between an opencondition, permitting a lateral loading of the IBC within the one ormore bins, and a closed condition, in which a side of the IBC isprotected from a strike hazard when carried within the transportcontainer. A plurality of clevis attachments are attached to a top endof the transport container. The plurality of clevis attachments areconfigured to carry the transport container in a suspended condition bya shipping sling. A moveable top lid is provided for each of the one ormore bins defined within the transport frame. The top lid is movablebetween an open condition, permitting a top loading of the IBC withinthe one or more bins, and a closed condition in which a top end of theIBC is protected from a strike hazard within the transport container.

In some embodiments, the transport container also includes a trackextending along a top edge each of the left sidewall and the rightsidewall. A stop is defined at an end of the track. A pin protrudes froman intermediate position of a left and a right lateral edge of the toplid. The pin is carried within the track, and the top lid is configuredto pivot to the open condition about the pin when the pin is positionedproximal to the stop.

In some embodiments, a latch assembly is attached to the at least onemoveable wall, the latch assembly configured to secure the movable wallin a closed condition.

In other embodiments, a stabbing guide protrudes from an interiorsurface of the left sidewall, the right sidewall, the movable panel. Thetransport container may also include an alignment plate attached to aninterior corner of each of the one or more bins. The alignment plate isconfigured to guide the IBC to a shipping position within the one ormore bins.

In other embodiments, an interior dividing wall extends between adjacentbins of the one or more bins. In certain embodiments, the transportcontainer may also include a ladder attached to at least one of the leftsidewall and the right sidewall. A forklift pocket may be defined in aside edge of the lifting floor.

In other embodiments, a track extends along opposed lateral sides of thetop end of the transport container. In this embodiment, the top lidincludes a flexible panel that is carried within the track. A curvedportion of the track is formed at the junction between the top end ofthe transport container and the sidewall of the transport container. Thecurved portion is configured to carry the flexible panel between theclosed position and the open position. The track may have a length alongthe sidewall sufficient to carry the flexible panel.

In yet other embodiments, a plurality of parallel tracks extend alongopposed sides of the top of the transport container. At least one of thetop lids is carried within at least one of the plurality of paralleltracks, the at least one of the top lids is moveable within the at leastone of the plurality of tracks between the open position and the closedposition. A first top lid is configured to laterally slide within afirst track so that it is positioned in one of a covered or a coveringposition relative to a second top lid that is carried within a secondtrack.

In other aspects of the invention, a top closure for a transportcontainer, is disclosed. The top closure includes a track defined alongopposed lateral sides at a top end of the transport container. A top lidformed as a substantially flat plate that dimensioned to cover a binopening at the top end of the transport container. A pin protrudes froma lateral edge of the top lid from an intermediate position of thelateral edge. The pin is received within the track and the top lid ismovable along the track.

A stop may be included at an outer end of the track. When the pin ispositioned proximal to the stop, the top lid is adapted to pivot aboutthe pin to an open position. Preferably, the the pin is positionedproximal to a midpoint of the lateral edge.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a single bin embodiment of an IBCtransport container with a top lid open.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the single bin embodiment of theIBC transport container with the top lid in an intermediate positionwhile opening or closing.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the single bin embodiment of theIBC transport container with a partially open top lid and open frontwall.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a dual bin embodiment of the IBCtransport container with the top lid open and in a stowed position.

FIG. 4a is a detail view of the pivoting hinge assembly with the top lidin the open and stowed position.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a dual bin embodiment of the IBCtransport container with the top lid closed.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the single bin embodiment of theIBC transport container with a sliding panel closure configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a quad bin embodiment of the IBCtransport container with a sliding top lid configuration.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a triple bin embodiment of the IBCtransport container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merelyfor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provides a transportcontainer 10 for IBCs that meets all criteria specified by DNV-GL forcertification of offshore containers intended for transport of IBCs fordangerous goods and has been certified by DNV-GL as such. The transportcontainer 10 also provides a full enclosure of the IBC, which providesprotection for the IBC and the dangerous goods carried therein, on allsides, the top and the bottom during movements and shipping of thetransport container 10.

As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-4, a single binembodiment of a transport container 10 according to aspects of theinvention is shown. By way of non-limiting examples, the transport frame10 for IBCs may be provided in various bin configurations: including asingle bin, a dual bin, a triple bin, and a quad bin configuration. Eachconfiguration, while sharing certain innovative features, numberedaccordingly herein, is specifically designed and engineered to handlethe load calculations for each design. Additionally the transportcontainer 10 may be dimensioned to carry either a 550 gallon IBC or a790 gallon IBC, with the transport container 10 specificationsspecifically engineered to each size IBC unit.

The transport container 10 has a lifting floor 12 with a built in skidor drip pan 14 to contain a limited quantity of leakage that may occurduring loading or transport. The transport container 10 provides a fullyenclosed structure with solid side walls 18, a movable front wall 20, arear wall 22, and a top lid 24 for each IBC bin defined within thetransport frame 10. The transport container 10 protects the IBCs 50contained within the container 10 from side impacts and possiblepuncture. The full enclosure enables the transport container 10 to becertified to DNV 2.7-1, EN 12079:2006, IMO 860, and API 2CCU Standards.

Other aspects of the present include a top lid 24 configuration thatprovides an opening to a containment bin within the transport container10. The opening to the containment bin allows top loading of the IBC 50into the transport container 10, such as with an aerial crane, or otherlifting device. In multi bin embodiments, the top lid 24 is provided foreach of the plurality of bins in the transport container 10.

The transport container 10 front 20 and rear wall 22 are coupled to thetransport container 10 via a hinge 26, which permit one the front wall20 and the rear wall 22 to operate as doors, which allow side loading ofthe transport container 10. In multi-bin embodiments, a door is providedfor each bin in the transport container 10. Likewise, in multi-binembodiments, an internal frame member or separator panel 25 is providedfor structural support. In the case of a separator panel 25, the panel25 provides for segregation of the IBCs 50 carried within each of theplurality of bins.

Embodiments of the top lid 24 are designed to limit pinch hazards duringopening and closing, and provide the operator positive control over thelid 24 positioning, and preclude inadvertent opening and closing of thelid due to wind gusts and the like. In a first embodiment of the top lid24 shown in reference to FIGS. 1-3, the top lid 24 is coupled to a topend of the transport container 10 via an offset hinge pin assembly 28that is configured to permit the operator to laterally slide the tip lid24 via a pivot pin 30 at a mid portion of the top lid 24 which iscarried in a track 25 of the hinge pin assembly 28. When the pivot pin30 reaches a pivot point 32 at an end of the track the top lid 24, thetop lid 24 may then pivot about the pivot pin 30 to a verticalorientation. A retaining pin 34 can then be utilized to ensure the toplid 24 remains in the vertical, open position. This configurationprovides the operator better control over the top lid 24 since the pivotpoint is carried at the mid portion of the top lid 24, rather thanrequiring the operator to pivot about an end of the lid. The top lid 24may also incorporates locking mechanisms which provide retention in bothopen and closed positions.

In multi-IBC container configurations, such as the dual bin embodimentshown in reference to FIG. 5, the offset pivoting top lid 24 may beprovided for each of the plurality of interior bins of the IBC transportcontainer 10. An internal frame structure 25 is provided for an internalsupport structure and to define each of the plurality of bins within thetransport container 10.

Embodiments of the transport frame 10 also include at least one hingeddoor 20, 22 providing lateral access to the interior compartment. Thehinged doors and offset hinge pin assemblies 28, when used incombination permit an operator to load the one or more IBCs 50 with afork lift. When opened, the top lid 24 provides a sufficient verticalclearance for the IBC 50 and the hinged door opening 20, 22 providingthe lateral access. The hinged doors 20, 22 may be secured with a latchmechanism 36 to retain the door in a closed position. A retention pin 40may also incorporated to secure the door 20, 22 when open, to ensure thedoor is not swung closed inadvertently.

A top end of the transport container 10 also incorporates a plurality ofpad eyes, or a clevis mounts, 42 that may be coupled with a sling set ofa crane. Likewise, the base 12 of the transport container 10 isconfigured with a plurality of forklift pockets 44, which allows thetransport container 10 to be moved by a forklift.

The transport container 10 may also include a plurality of stabbingguides 46 and alignment plates 52 in an interior of the transportcontainer 10. The stabbing guides 46 and alignment plates 52 center theIBC 50 when it is loaded within a designated bin. The exterior sidewalls18 may also incorporate a built in ladder 48 to allow easy access to thetop of the transport container to attach a sling set to the clevis 42 orto facilitate inspection of the IBC 50. A drip pan/well and a drain hole1 in communication with the drip pan may be provided near fork liftaccess plates.

The IBC transport container 10 is fully enclosed with solid sides, topand bottom. The transport container 10 is able to be both top and sideloaded, yet remains classified as fully enclosed, enabling the transportcontainer 10 to carry approved IBCs 50 containing dangerous goods,including liquids, in offshore applications. The transport container 10also incorporates stabbing guides and alignment plates to ease loadingand built in ladders to improve access.

The transport container 10 according to embodiments of the presentinvention provide the ability to top load and side load, and stillmaintain full enclosure integrity to meet dangerous goods certificationin open waters. The various innovative features gives this transportcontainer 10 unmatched capabilities from others currently available inthe marketplace.

A best seen in reference to FIG. 8, when loading from above, theincorporated stabbing guides 46 and plates 52 are sloped at an anglewhich insures that the IBC 50 being loaded is centered properly in thecorresponding bin of the transport carrier 10. The base alignment platesensure that the base of the IBC 50 sits properly and is centered on thefloor 12 of the transport carrier 10. The IBC sling set may then be hungon an internal sling hanger to provide additional stability and ease ofaccess to the IBC carried within the transport container 10. Once thetop lid 24 is closed, full containment of the IBC 50 within thetransport container 10 is achieved.

In use, the user would place a certified IBC 50 into the transportcontainer 10 either by top loading with a crane via the top opening 24or side loading through the opening door 20, 22 via a forklift. Afterloading the IBC 50, the IBC sling set would be hung from the sling sethanger for future ease of access. The door 20, 22 and/or top lid 24would then be securely closed via the closing mechanism. The operatorwould then ensure that all applicable IMDG requirements for thetransportation of dangerous goods (such as paperwork or labeling) arecomplied with. The user then could use the clevis 42 attachment pointswith sling set to move the fully enclosed IBC 50 within the transportcontainer 10 to lift, transfer or carry the IBC containing dangerousgoods (including liquids) in an open sea environment and be in liftingcompliance in accordance with DNV 2.7-1.

In a first alternative embodiment of the top opening, shown in referenceto FIG. 6, the transport container 10 includes a fully enclosedstructure with solid side walls 18, a movable front wall 20, a rear wall22, and provides for a top opening for each IBC bin defined within thetransport frame 10. In this embodiment, the lid 64 includes a flexiblepanel that is carried within a track 62 extending along opposed lateralsides of the top end of the transport container 10. A handle 66 mayextend from one or more of a first end or a second end of the flexiblepanel 64. The track 62 includes a curved portion at the junction betweenthe top end of the transport container 10 and the sidewall of thetransport container 10. The track 62 has a length along the sidewallsufficient to carry the flexible panel 64 so that the top opening of thetransport container 10 may receive the IBC 50.

In a second alternative embodiment of the top opening, shown inreference to FIG. 7, the transport container 10 also includes provides afully enclosed structure with solid side walls 18, a movable front wall20, a rear wall 22, and provides for a top opening for each IBC bindefined within the transport frame 10. In this embodiment, the top lid74 for each containment bin is carried in two parallel tracks 62extending along opposed sides of the top of the transport container 10.In this embodiment, a first top lid 74 may slide laterally within afirst track 62 so that it is positioned above, or below, a second toplid 74′ that is carried within the second track 62′.

With the first top lid 74 in the open position, the IBC 50 may then betop loaded within the corresponding interior bin of the transportcontainer 10. Once loaded, the first top lid 74 may be repositioned tocover the loaded IBC 50. The second top lid 74′ may then be slid withinthe second track 62′ so that it is subjacent or superjacent the firsttop lid 74. The second bin may then be loaded with the IBC 50 within thecorresponding interior bin of the transport container 10. Once the IBC50 is loaded the second top lid 74′ may be positioned above thecorresponding IBC 50. Each of the first top lid 74 or the second top lid74′ may be secured in a closed position above an underlying IBC 50.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates toexemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transport container for shipment of anintermediate bulk containers (IBC), comprising: a lifting floorsupporting an enclosed structure defining one or more bins within thetransport container for containing the IBC; a left sidewall and a rightsidewall attached to the lifting floor; at least one movable wallattached to one of the left sidewall and the right sidewall via a hingefor each of the one or more bins, the at least one movable wall moveablebetween an open condition, permitting a lateral loading of the IBCwithin the one or more bins, and a closed condition, in which a side ofthe IBC is protected from a strike hazard when carried within thetransport container; a plurality of clevis attachments attached to a topend of the transport container, the plurality of clevis attachmentsconfigured to carry the transport container in a suspended condition bya shipping sling; and a moveable top lid for each of the one or morebins defined within the transport frame, the top lid movable between anopen condition, permitting a top loading of the IBC within the one ormore bins, and a closed condition in which a top end of the IBC isprotected from a strike hazard within the transport container.
 2. Thetransport container of claim 1, further comprising: a track extendingalong a top edge each of the left sidewall and the right sidewall, astop defined at an end of the track; and a pin protruding from anintermediate position of a left and a right lateral edge of the top lid,wherein the pin is carried within the track, and the top lid isconfigured to pivot to the open condition about the pin when the pin ispositioned proximal to the stop.
 3. The transport container of claim 2,further comprising: a latch assembly attached to the at least onemoveable wall, the latch assembly configured to secure the movable wallin a closed condition.
 4. The transport container of claim 1, furthercomprising: a stabbing guide protruding from an interior surface of theleft sidewall, the right sidewall, the movable panel.
 5. The transportcontainer of claim 4, further comprising: an alignment plate attached toan interior corner of each of the one or more bins, the alignment plateconfigured to guide the IBC to a shipping position within the one ormore bins.
 6. The transport container of claim 1, further comprising: aninterior dividing wall extending between adjacent bins of the one ormore bins.
 7. The transport container of claim 1, further comprising: aladder attached to at least one of the left sidewall and the rightsidewall.
 8. The transport container of claim 1, further comprising: aforklift pocket defined in a side edge of the lifting floor.
 9. Thetransport container of claim 1, further comprising: a drip pan disposedabove the lifting floor within the transport container.
 10. Thetransport container of claim 1, further comprising: a track extendsalong opposed lateral sides of the top end of the transport container;and the top lid comprises a flexible panel that is carried within thetrack.
 11. The transport container of claim 10, further comprising: acurved portion of the track is formed at the junction between the topend of the transport container and the sidewall of the transportcontainer, the curved portion configured to carry the flexible panelbetween the closed position and the open position.
 12. The transportcontainer of claim 11, wherein the track has a length along the sidewallsufficient to carry the flexible panel.
 13. The transport container ofclaim 1, further comprising: a plurality of parallel tracks extendingalong opposed sides of the top of the transport container; and at leastone of the top lids carried within at least one of the plurality ofparallel tracks, the at least one of the top lids moveable within the atleast one of the plurality of tracks between the open position and theclosed position.
 14. The transport container of claim 13, furthercomprising: a first top lid is configured to laterally slide within afirst track so that it is positioned in one of a covered or a coveringposition relative to a second top lid that is carried within a secondtrack.
 15. A top closure for a transport container, comprising: a trackdefined along opposed lateral sides at a top end of the transportcontainer; a top lid formed as a substantially flat plate dimensioned tocover a bin opening at the top end of the transport container; and a pinprotruding from a lateral edge of the top lid from an intermediateposition of the lateral edge, wherein the pin is received within thetrack and the top lid is movable along the track.
 16. The top closure ofclaim 15, further comprising: a stop at an outer end of the track,wherein when the pin positioned proximal to the stop, the top lid isadapted to pivot about the pin to an open position.
 17. The top closureof claim 16, wherein the pin is positioned proximal to a midpoint of thelateral edge.